GRIDLEY — Mary's Gone Crackers announced Tuesday that it has been acquired by Torrance-based Kameda USA, a subsidiary of Kameda Seika Co. Ltd. of Japan.

Kameda has acquired 77.8 percent of the Gridley company, according to a press release issued by Kameda, which specializes in the sales and marketing of Kameda Crisps and Frosted Rice Crackers.

Mary's Gone Crackers is known for its award-winning organic, vegan and gluten-free foods, especially crackers, pretzels and cookies.

In the agreement, co-founder and chair Mary Waldner and co-founder, CEO and husband Dale Rodrigues will continue with the company in their current positions.

"We're thrilled to join forces with the Kameda Seika family, and feel privileged that the team recognizes Mary's Gone Crackers as a brand it believes has significant potential for continued expansion in the U.S. and abroad," Waldner said in a press release.

The terms of the agreement were not released.

Rodrigues said the offer was attractive because it was respectful of the company's passion for making organic, gluten-free and non-GMO foods, as well as keeping the company's "conscious eating" philosophy unchanged.

Kameda Seika says it was founded in 1957, and is the largest manufacturer of rice crackers in Japan. Kameda USA was founded in 2008.

Waldner created the company after learning she had celiac disease, which reduces the ability of the small intestine to properly absorb nutrients from food. It's caused by a reaction to a gluten protein found in wheat.

The products are without trans-fats or dairy ingredients.

The Gridley company products can be found in Ralphs, Whole Foods Market, Kroger and Sprouts, among other retailers.